LETTERS
I joined the DAP in Penang back in 1988 at the age of 18, believing it was the right party for a person like me to fight for democracy and equality in the country.
Back then as an eager, young member, I had three leaders I looked up to – Karpal Singh, Kerk Kim Hock and Lim Kit Siang – but sadly two of them have since left us.
The DAP’s ideologies and vision at the time were clear and precise and we all had one common enemy which was Barisan Nasional.
I learned a lot from these three leaders and when Karpal Singh and Kerk left us, I was deeply saddened and only had Kit Siang left as someone I looked up to.
I fought tooth and nail for the DAP, including at every Bersih rally after Anwar Ibrahim’s arrest.
The MCA back then was our enemy, a component of BN that we were out to dethrone and destroy. Never in my wildest dreams, or even nightmares did I imagine the DAP ever joining forces or worse, bowing to Umno or MCA.
Sadly, today, things have taken such a drastic turn and everything I once believed in and trusted has been crushed.
It is not only about Kit Siang using the songkok, but much more than that. I am confused as to even why did Kit Siang even accept the Tan Sri title in the first place?
What is so important about that? I recall numerous DAP leaders strongly opposing the use of the songkok during state assembly sittings and also royal events, and these occurred at a time when Kit Siang himself was the party’s secretary-general.
Why have things flip-flopped so easily? Is it because DAP is now hungry for power and glory? Does Kit Siang now think he deserves to be called a Tan Sri and this would make him a better person?
To me, and I am sure many other staunch DAP supporters, it is truly a sad day in our national politics.
Not only have we agreed to work with our arch-rivals, but are now slowly and surely selling out on all the things we once fought for, believed in and were close to our hearts.
Perhaps it is time for people like me to look for “greener pastures” where we can continue our honest fight for a better nation for our children.
Andrew Seah
Jalan Yeap Chor Ee
Penang
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